Causal
strong strength
Narrative Connection
How these two moments in the story relate
From
Riker learns of permanent memory loss
S4E8
·
Future Imperfect
To
Transporter failure strands Riker in future
S4E8
·
Future Imperfect
Why These Connect
The narrative assertion
"The failed transport attempt due to the build-up of gases causes Riker to awaken 16 years in the future, setting the stage for the central conflict of the episode."
About Causal Connections
A directly causes B. The first event sets forces in motion that produce the second. These are the load-bearing connections of plot--remove one and the story structure collapses.